Sales have edged up at the Brighton and Hove coffee shop chain Small Batch, according to the company’s latest accounts.
Turnover rose to £3.9 million in the year to the end of January from £3.8 million in the previous financial year.
Gross profit also rose, from £1.3 million to £1.4 million, although the company reported an operating loss of £196,000, up from £185,000.
At the pre-tax level, Small Batch Coffee reported a £211,000 loss, up from £192,000.
According to the accounts, current liabilities exceed assets by £375,000.
The company, which is also a wholesale supplier, has opened a roastery in Camden Street, Portslade, and an outlet in Worthing.
It has five branches across Brighton and Hove and two bars at the main railway stations.
The accounts said that the business, which started in 2006, remained a going concern and had the required support of the directors and shareholders.
Serial entrepreneur Luke Johnson, who bought control of the company in November 2015, said: “The demand for artisan coffee continues to grow as the public becomes ever more demanding and standards rise.
“Small Batch is Brighton’s favourite such brand and we opened this year in Worthing too.
“We believe in the long-term prospects for our business and the market, and hope to bring our delicious coffee to more customers in and around Brighton in the coming months and years.”
